Why INFJs Are Called The Protectors

Have you ever wondered why INFJs are called protectors? Our personality cares a lot, but it’s more than that. All INFJs are fierce protectors, and we will do everything we can to safeguard those who matter to us.

INFJ, the humble protector

It’s a known fact that INFJs are not aggressive, nor are we the type who will argue. Instead, we will always go for the diplomatic, peaceful solution. It’s just not in our nature to be angry. However, if our friends or family are in any kind of danger, this is when an INFJ’s protector trait comes out.

Our dearest friends never have to fear in our company, because if an INFJ is your friend, you are our priority. Of course we need to take care of ourselves too, but if you are in any kind of jeopardy, we are there for you.

It’s kinda like this. You know how in planes they give you instructions to put your own oxygen mask on first in case of emergency? Well you can forget about that rule with our personality. The INFJ protector instinct goes so deep, that we will disregard our own personal safety if for you.

Like I said, we need to be careful to look after ourselves as well, and this is the biggest drawback of our shield-like personality type. We forget about our own needs and that causes severe anxiety and overwhelm.

In order to help you better understand this amazing protective trait that we have, I’ll share with you 3 insightful rules on how you can be an INFJ protector, but avoid the trap of not taking care about yourself in the process.

1. Protect responsibly.

You can’t help someone if you are exhausted or overwhelmed. You owe it to yourself to rest. Even superheroes in movies need to recharge. Nothing bad will happen if you take a nap. In fact, you will have more strength to be present when you are needed. So, rest!

2. You are not responsible for what others do.

Even if it’s your closest friend, you need to remember that every individual is responsible for their own actions. Even being an INFJ protector, we can only do so much. It’s not your job to save everyone. People don’t need to be saved or fixed, they just want to be listened to.

3. There’s a limit you mustn’t cross.

It’s never easy to see our loved ones getting hurt. For an INFJ, this is the worst pain imaginable. But even so, know that there are certain limits you can never cross. Never hurt anyone else no matter how upset you are, and don’t allow yourself to be engulfed by rage. Remind your heart and mind that your uniqueness lies in the fact that you are an advocate of peace.

By following these simple, but effective rules when protecting someone you care for, you will also be there for yourself.

You are a peaceful warrior

“I call myself a Peaceful Warrior… Because the battles we fight are on the inside” – Dan Millman

The above quote from the famous author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior perfectly explains the only battles INFJs need to endure. You don’t have to get intensely angry like a Hulk to show someone you care for them.

The greatest strength of an INFJ protector comes not just from our desire to put others before ourselves, but in the fact that we will go above and beyond to be there in the face of every danger.

You become our only concern, and nothing else matters.

Always remind yourself of the three rules I shared. Keep in mind that we are called INFJ protectors because we care on an otherworldly level. Oh, and just a small bonus memo for all my INFJ friends: Not all heroes wear capes. <3

You are not alone

Maybe there are people who will not understand your protective nature as an INFJ, but you can be sure there are those who are just like you.

Thank you Marko. Your article brought me peace. I’ve had a week of being outside my limits and spent the weekend feeling like a victim because in trying to getting to along with everyone I ended up angry with myself. Peace with yourself and to thine own self be true.

This is truly accurate. Every INFJ I’ve ever met has been like this, myself included. So many of us just don’t know when to stop and take a breather. However, as with many interpretations and explanations of Myer-Briggs typology, this article has portrayed the perfect, ideal INFJ and how we’d like to see ourselves act. In my experience with every INFJ I’ve met, I’ve seen much anger and frustration beneath the surface, and the more comfortable they are with themselves, the more they share it. It’s not just that we care deeply for friends and family and will go FAR out of our way for them… It’s that we care for EVERYONE. Any injustice done to anyone in the world is liable to upset us and we will reactively call upon our protector instincts. And I’ve seen the damage we can cause if we ignore those instincts… I, personally, have inadvertently hurt people by ignoring those instincts. But, as you said, we are instinctually peaceful and diplomatic, so it stands to reason that f we ignore those instincts we can be aggressive and close-minded. Fabulous article though, it’s always nice to be reminded to take the time I need to recover from the exhausting daily emotional input.

Very relatable article. I often struggled with understanding why other people aren’t so protective, before finding out that I am INJF personality type.

Not sure about other people in our group, but for me the hardest part is feeling the emotions of the person I care for. Especially when those emotions are negative. Nothing kicks in the protective part of our personality like that.